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NOTES

OPTIONS BOOKLET 2018—2020

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Good evening and thank you for making time to attend our Key Stage 4 Options Evening. Over the next few weeks your son or daughter will be asked to decide which subjects he or she would prefer to study in Years 10 and 11, where choices are offered. This booklet sets out exactly where choices have to be made, and the options which are available. It also contains details of all the subjects that students will be following in accordance with the demands of the English Baccalaureate and the new Progress 8 focus. There has been a lot of recent publicity around the changes to end of course examinations and a move away from some courses which no longer retain GCSE equivalency. The curriculum we have designed responds to both of these pressures whilst ensuring that those students whose needs will not be best served by the changes retain a genuine choice of courses from which to select. All students are asked to select their choices on the separate Student Options Form and to return it to the school reception by the 2nd March. The school will do its utmost to meet all requests, subject to staffing and resources and to the choices being appropriate for long term career aspirations. Tonight you will be given further details about the process of making these choices and an opportunity to meet subject teachers and to discuss their subjects at Key Stage 4. With your support, we hope to ensure that your son or daughter will make appropriate and positive choices, whilst establishing high expectations for the future. If you require any further information either tonight or in the coming weeks please contact Mrs Roberts or Mr Vardy.

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NOTES

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COURSE:

The rationale for all qualifications in the BTEC First suite in Travel and Tourism is to:

● inspire and enthuse learners to consider a career in the travel and tourism sector

● give learners the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of, and

develop skills in, the travel and tourism sector

● support progression to a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic tourism

course or an apprenticeship

● give learners the potential opportunity, in due course, to enter employment within

a wide range of junior job roles across the travel and tourism sector, for example

posts in travel agencies, visitor attractions and the tourist information centre.

This qualification has been

developed to provide an engaging and stimulating introduction to the travel and

tourism industry.

UNITS AND ASSESSMENTS:

Unit 1: The UK Travel and Tourism Sector (exam) - 25%

Unit 2: UK Travel and Tourism Destinations (Internal assessment) - 25%

Unit 3: The Development of Travel and Tourism in the UK (Internal assessment) - 25%

Unit 4: International Travel and Tourism Destinations (Internal assessment) - 25%

STAFF CONTACT: Mrs S Quainton

LLevel Exam Board Course Code

BTEC Level 1/2 EDEXCEL 600/6512/6

First Award

BTEC TRAVEL AND TOURISM

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Pathway 1 Form (sample)

Section 1 – These courses are studied by all students and are preselected

NB Triple Scientists will not study for GCSE Philosophy and Ethics

Choose one option from Block A and one option from Block B (Block C is already prese-

lected)

One of the options from Block A or B MUST be either Geography or History

Reserve Choice from Block A or B___________________________________________

Subject Qualification Awarded

English Language GCSE X

English Literature GCSE X

Maths GCSE X

Science 2 x GCSE (3 for triple science) X

Core PE No qualification X

Philosophy and Ethics GCSE X

Block A Block B Block C

Preselected

Art Art

French or

Spanish

BTEC Health + Social BTECSport

BTEC Hospitality BTEC Business and ICT

BTEC Music Drama

Geography GCSE PE

History Geography

Media Graphic Design and Comm

History

4


Choose one option from each of the three Option Blocks below (one of them MUST be Geogra-

phy or History

Reserve Choice from Block A or B_____________________________________________




Maths GCSE X

Science 2 x GCSE X




Art Art

History

BTEC Travel & Tourism BTEC Business and ICT



BTEC Music Drama

Geography GCSE PE

History Geography


History


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Level Exam Board Course Code


FIRST AWARD

COURSE:

The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Sport has been designed primarily

for young people aged 14 to 19 who may wish to explore a vocational route

throughout Key Stage 4, it has been developed to:

encourage personal development through practical participation and performance in a range of

sports and exercise activities

give learners a wider understanding and appreciation of health-related fitness, sports and

exercise through a selection of optional specialist units

encourage learners to develop their people, communication, planning and team-working skills

by having the opportunity to select from optional units available in the qualification structure

provide education and training for sport, leisure and recreation employees

give opportunities for sport, leisure and recreation employees to achieve a nationally

recognised level 1 or level 2 vocationally-specific qualification

give full-time learners the opportunity to progress to other vocational qualifications, such as the

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Sport

give learners the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and

attributes essential for successful performance in working life.


Unit 1: Fitness for Sport and Exercise (exam) - 25%

Unit 2: Practical Sport Performance (Internal assessment) - 25%

Unit 4: The Sports Performer in Action (Internal assessment) - 25%

Unit 6: Leading Sports Activities (Internal assessment) - 25%

BTEC SPORT

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COURSE:

BTEC music is for those students who have an interest in creating and performing music, and

want to learn about the music industry and live performance. During the two year course students

will be able to develop their skills, and learn about a wide variety of music. Students will have the

opportunity to create and perform music using their preferred instrument and music software, as

well as planning and developing a live music event. For the performing unit students will need to

perform a selection of solo and/or ensemble pieces, on a chosen instrument.

UNITS

Unit 1: The music industry

In this unit students will learn about the areas and organisations of the music industry and how

they work together.

Unit 2: Managing a music product

This unit provides the opportunity for students to plan and deliver and participate in a live music

event.

Unit 4: Introduction to music composition

In this unit students will explore music composition using music software and their own

instruments.

Unit 5: Introduction to music performance

In this unit students will have the opportunity to develop their skills both as a solo and ensemble/

band performer, working towards final performances.

ASSESSMENT:

Unit 1: The music industry -1 hour Written paper - 25%

Unit 2: Managing a music product - Controlled assessment - 25%

Unit 4: Introduction to music composition - Controlled assessment - 25%

Unit 5: Introduction to music performance - Controlled assessment - 25%

STAFF CONTACT: Mrs R. Sanders (Head of Music)

BTEC MUSIC

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Choose one option from each of the three Option Blocks below:

Reserve Choice from Block A or B_________________________________________




Maths GCSE X

Science 2 x GCSE X




Art Art

BTEC Travel & Tourism

BTEC Business and ICT



BTEC Music Drama

Geography GCSE PE

History Geography


History

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The decision making process and key dates:

Some Advice to Students DO Choose a subject because you like it, not because it is the “least worst” Choose a subject you have an interest in Choose a subject which might help you with a particular career Choose a balanced range of subjects Be aware of the requirements of the course and the style of assessment

involved

DO NOT Choose a subject because your friends are doing it Choose a subject because you like the teacher (there may be a different one

next year) Choose a subject because it looks easy Rush into anything - REMEMBER TO FIND OUT AND SEEK ADVICE

Students and parents attend options evening on 31st January 2018.

Students and parents to talk to tutors and subject teachers where further information is required.

Completed forms handed in to the school Reception by 2nd March 2018 (We cannot guarantee that students returning forms after this date will get their first choices)

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FIRST AWARD

COURSE:

The rationale for all qualifications in the BTEC First suite in Hospitality is to:

inspire and enthuse learners to consider a career in the hospitality industry, rather than just being a customer or patron

support progression to a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic hospitality and ca-tering course or an apprenticeship in hospitality and catering

give learners the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of, and skills in, the hospitality industry

give learners the potential opportunity to enter employment within a wide range of junior job roles across the hospitality industry, for example waiter/waitress, assistant front-of-house staff, temporary events/match day hospitality staff, concessions catering assistants, fast food servers.

Unit 1: Introducing the Hospitality Industry – this unit covers the different aspects of

the hospitality industry, looking at its component parts and the different products

and services that are offered as well as the essential processes involved in operating

a hospitality business.

Unit 2: Working in the Hospitality Industry – this unit covers the importance of team

working and customer service for working in a variety of roles within the hospitality

industry, and looks at other important aspects such as personal appearance and

personal attributes necessary to work successfully.

Unit 3: Food Safety and Health and Safety in Hospitality – where learners will

discover the various aspects of health and safety, and food safety law in relation

to those working in the hospitality industry.

Unit 6: Planning, Preparing, Cooking and Finishing Food – where learners will

explore the understanding and skills required for proficiency in planning, preparing,

cooking and finishing a range of food types in the hospitality industry.


Unit 1: Introducing the Hospitality Industry (exam) - 25%

Unit 2: Working in the Hospitality Industry (Internal assessment) - 25%

Unit 3: Food and Safety and Health and Safety in Hospitality (Internal assessment) - 25%

Unit 6: Planning, Preparing, Cooking and Finishing Food (Internal assessment) - 25%

BTEC HOSPITALITY

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COURSE:

The Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills

in a practical learning environment. The main focus is on three areas, which cover:

· skills and processes, such as interpreting data to assess an individual’s health, and

designing a plan to improve their health and wellbeing

· attitudes, namely the care values that are vitally important in the sector, and the

opportunity to practise applying them

· knowledge that underpins the effective use of skills, processes and attitudes, including

human growth and development, health and social care services, and factors affecting

people’s health and wellbeing.

This qualification builds on and uses the knowledge and skills you are learning in your GCSEs,

such

as English. It will complement the more theoretical aspects covered by GCSE Biology or GCSE

Psychology by allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills practically in a vocational context.


Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development (Internal assessment - 33.3%

Unit 2: Health and Social Care Services and Values (Internal assessment) - 33.3%

Unit 3: Health and Wellbeing (Synoptic exam) - 33.3%

STAFF CONTACT: Mrs R Arif-Vardy and Mrs S Quainton


BTEC HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

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SECTION 1

ENGLISH LITERATURE

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

MATHS

PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS

COMBINED SCIENCE

TRIPLE SCIENCE

8

ENGLISH LITERATURE


GCSE AQA 8702

COURSE:

English Literature creates, builds and sustains a love of books: novels, plays and poetry. This

GCSE develops students’ ability to analyse plot, characters, themes, language and structural

devices, and context. They will study old and modern texts, make comparisons between liter-

ary works and develop their ability to identify effects on the reader.

Students will study a range of texts; these texts will be chosen from such works as Shake-

speare’s Macbeth, William Golding’s novel The Lord of the Flies, Dennis Kelly’s play DNA, Ar-

thur Conan Doyle’s novel The Sign of Four, and poetry from a ‘power and conflict’ anthology

both past and present.

ASSESSMENT:

Assessment is 100% examination.

Exam One: Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel (40% of qualification)

Exam Two: Modern Texts and Prose (60% of qualification)

STAFF CONTACT: Ms Pollard (Head of Department)

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COURSE:

The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Business has been developed in the

business sector to:

encourage personal development of knowledge and skills relevant to the business world

through practical participation in a range of vocational business activities

give learners a wider understanding and appreciation of the broad range of business

specialisms through selection of optional specialist units

encourage learners to develop their people, communication, planning and team working skills

by having the opportunity to select from optional units available in the qualification structure

provide education and training for employees in the business sector

give opportunities for business employees to achieve a nationally recognised level 1 or level 2

vocationally-specific qualification

give full-time learners the opportunity to enter employment in the business sector or to

progress to other vocational qualifications, such as the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Nationals in

Business

give learners the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and

attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Business has been designed to provide an

engaging and stimulating introduction to the world of business. The qualification builds on

learning from Key Stage 3 for those who may wish to explore a vocational route throughout Key

Stage 4. It also provides a good introduction to business for learners in post-16 education, as

well as bringing together learning at levels 1 and 2 to ensure that every learner taking the

qualification completes it with a level of understanding and skill on which to build at a later date.


Unit 1: Enterprise in the Business world (Internal assessment) - 25%

Unit 2: Finance for Business (exam) - 25%

Unit 4: Principles of Customer Service (Internal assessment) - 25%

Unit 5: Sales and Personal Selling (Internal assessment) - 25%

STAFF CONTACT: Mr J Burke and Mrs S Quainton



BTEC BUSINESS AND ICT

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COURSE:

Students will have two teachers for GCSE PE as there are two theory elements to the course.; Anatomy and physiology section and the social cultural section. The course is ideal for students who wish to move onto A level PE.

Some of the topics covered are:

Individual differences affecting participation and performance

Fatigue/stress

Injuries – identification, causes and treatment

Differences between aerobic and anaerobic exercise

Characteristics and benefits of leisure and recreation

Health, fitness and a healthy lifestyle

Training principles

Diet and effects on performance

School influences – opportunities and pathways available for becoming and

remaining involved in physical activities

Emotional health and wellbeing

Cultural and social factors affecting participation

International and other factors (such as media, technology and sponsorship)

ASSESSMENT:

GCSE PE Theory is assessed by two 1hours 15minutes examinations at the end of the course. This constitutes 60% of the total marks.

The Practical aspect is assessed over three sports. Students can perform two of the following roles over the three sports: Player/Performer, Organiser, Leader/Coach, Choreographer, Official. The students will also complete one written assessment piece on evaluating and improving performance. The Practical assessment is 40% of the total marks. A residential will be on offer to give students the opportunity to be assessed in outdoor adventurous activities.

STAFF CONTACT: Mr M Wootton (Head of Physical Education)

)


GCSE AQA 8582

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE


GCSE AQA 8700

COURSE:

English Language focuses on developing core literacy skills: reading and writing. This GCSE

develops students’ ability to use and explore language in different contexts, and for different

purposes and audiences. It also includes some analysis of literary and media texts. Students

will have opportunities to write creatively and demonstrate their discussion and formal presen-

tations.

Students will sit two examinations which assess both their reading and writing skills. A range

of unseen fiction and non-fiction texts from 19th, 20th and 21st centuries will be provided in

the examinations. Students will need to show a range of reading skills including comprehen-

sion, deduction, summary, analysis and evaluation. In addition, students will be required to

produce extended pieces of writing which will include imaginative texts such as a narrative or

descriptive piece as well as transactional writing such as a letter of application or a newspaper

article. In both the reading and writing sections of the examinations, students’ literacy

(spelling, punctuation and grammar) will be assessed.

ASSESSMENT:

Assessment is 100% examination over two examinations.

Reading skills: 50% of qualification

Writing skills: 50% of qualification

STAFF CONTACT: Ms Pollard (Head of Department)

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COURSE:

The purposes of this qualification are to:

provide evidence of students’ achievements against demanding and fulfilling content, to give

students the confidence that the mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding that they

will have acquired during the course of their study are as good as that of the highest

performing jurisdictions in the world.

provide a strong foundation for further academic and vocational study and for employment, to

give students the appropriate mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding to help

them progress to a full range of courses in further and higher education. This includes Level

3 mathematics courses as well as Level 3 and undergraduate courses in other disciplines

such as biology, geography and psychology, where the understanding and application of

mathematics is crucial.

Students will follow either the Foundation or Higher Tier course

Foundation tier - grades 1 to 5 available

Higher tier - grades 4 to 9 available (grade 3 allowed)

ASSESSMENT:

100% examination. Students sit three equally weighted papers at the end of the course: one

paper is non-calculator and the other two papers are calculator. Each paper is 1hr 30mins and

carries 80 marks.

STAFF CONTACT: Mrs K Nash (Head of Department)

Mrs Laverick (2nd in Department - KS3)


GCSE EDEXCEL 1MA1

MATHEMATICS

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COURSE:

The GCSE course has a focus on the assessment of knowledge and understanding, description

and analysis of media texts and key concepts. Students are encouraged to create and evaluate

at all times as controlled assessment centres on Pre-Production and Production work. Students

will explore Media Concepts and ideas through:

Media texts - genre, narrative, and representation

Media organisations

Media audiences and users

Students who choose to study this course encounter the following texts in depth:

Films and film trailers

TV programmes

Advertising (moving image and print based)

CD covers/DVD covers

Music tracks, CD covers and music videos

Computer games and gaming culture

New media platforms and digital technologies

ASSESSMENT: Two distinct examination components—70%

Component 1: Exploring Media Language and Representation (40%)

Component 2: Understanding Media Forms and Products (30%)

Component 3: Creating Media Products (30%) Non exam assessment.

SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Diverse skills, i.e. independent, critical, creative learners imbued with practical skills.

A knack for current affairs and digital media is an added asset.

STAFF CONTACT: Mr. A. Chatora (Lead Media Teacher)


GCSE EDUQAS C680Q5

MEDIA STUDIES

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COURSE:

Students on the Graphic Communication GCSE course are introduced to a variety of experiences

exploring a range of media, techniques and processes, including both traditional and new

technologies.

The GCSE is designed to allow students to experience how it feels to work like a graphic

designer in industry, using the most up to date Adobe Master Collection software with teaching

from a subject specialist. Students work to a brief, just as they would in industry, which receives

regular verbal and written feedback to enable students to challenge themselves and make

progress. Students will have two creative spaces to work from; a newly installed ICT suite and

an Art classroom to allow their work to be explored beyond the computer screen.

Students will cover areas of study within Photoshop, Digital Photography, Typography,

Illustration, Layout/Design for Print, Animation, Print Making, Advertising and Packaging Design.

Students who choose Graphic Communication will enjoy being creative digitally and traditionally

and will take inspiration from photographers, designers and artists alike, to aid in their visual

communication venture! It is a practical course that gives students skills within the subject, as

well as potentially aiding Art and Media subject knowledge.

ASSESSMENT:

GCSE Graphic Communication is 60% coursework and 40% exam.

STAFF CONTACT: Ms. L Kennett (Head of Creative and Expressive Arts and

Design Technology).

Mrs. Ware (Lead Teacher of Graphic Communications).


GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

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COURSE:

Students will be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth,

enabling them to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues.

Students will also gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of

our culture. They will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to work with abstract

ideas, leadership and research skills. All these skills will help prepare them for further study.

Students must take assessments in the following two components in the same series:

a) Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices

b) Component 2: Thematic studies

Why choose AQA GCSE Philosophy & Ethics?

Modern and engaging – Students can gain a deeper understanding of two religions, Christianity

and Judaism, and explore philosophy and ethical studies in the modern world.

Designed to inspire – The specification includes exciting content that explores; relationships

and families, the existence of God and the ultimate reality, peace and conflict, human rights and

the dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes.

Skills for today’s world – Philosophy & Ethics can open up the possibility of in-depth debate,

which leads to critical evaluation and analysis.

ASSESSMENT:

The course is assessed at the end of Year 11 through two exams that are each 1 hour 45

minutes long. Each exam is worth half of the GCSE and is broken down into short and long

answer questions, designed to test knowledge and understanding. Students will answer a series

of questions which will require students to explain their own views as well as others and to

evaluate claims made by religious and secular thinkers.

STAFF CONTACT: Mr J Tridgell & Mrs K. Wilson

LEVEL EXAM BOARD COURSE CODE

GCSE AQA 8062

PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS

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GCSE COMBINED SCIENCE:

All students will study nine hours of science per fortnight leading to two GCSE qualifications in

Combined Science. Students in the top set will follow the Triple Science pathway.

The sciences provides the foundation for understanding the material world. Scientific

understanding is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Students will

learn essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. They will

gain appreciation of how the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural world can be

described in terms of a small number of key ideas that relate to the sciences and that are both

inter-linked and are of universal application.

COURSE CONTENT:

The GCSE Combined Science courses contain units which cover a wide range of Chemistry,

Biology and Physics topics that will extend and develop the ideas encountered during our KS3

curriculum.

All our GCSE Science courses provide a modern and relevant curriculum for all students that will

allow them to develop a sound theoretical understanding while recognising the wide applications

of Science. The course will also develop students’ ideas and understanding of how science

works and the investigative approaches used in Science.

ASSESSMENT:

The combined science course will be assessed using six externally assessed papers which will

all be completed at the end of Year 11. Each paper is 70 minutes and is worth 60 marks. Papers

are available in both higher and foundation tiers.


GCSE EDEXCEL 1SC0

COMBINED SCIENCE

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COURSE:

Drama encourages students to develop a personal interest in why drama matters. Students will

be inspired, moved and challenged by studying a broad, satisfying and worthwhile course of

study. Students will explore the of several different playwrights and practitioners, whilst

developing their own creativity within theatre. There are opportunities to work individually and

collaboratively as well as options to learn more about the wider roles within the industry.

Students will reflect on and evaluate their own work and the work of others They will develop and

demonstrate competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills including an

understanding of technical theatre such as lighting, costume and set design.

ASSESSMENT:

Practical performances of a published play as an actor or designer

Create your own short play and work as your own theatre company

Study a text as a performer and a designer

See a number of live theatre shows throughout the course and learn to analyse and evaluate

theatre

GCSE Drama is 60% coursework and 40% written exam..

A qualification in Drama demonstrates that students have:

Shown creativity and imagination

Worked constructively with others

Worked to, and met, deadlines

Learnt to communicate effectively

Interpret their own and others’ ideas through performance

STAFF CONTACT: Miss Charlotte Vine (Drama Teacher)


GCSE AQA 8261

DRAMA

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COURSE:

In Art and Design students will be able to discover new and interesting ways of making art. In

Year 10, they will learn a wide variety of skills, techniques and processes. Students will explore

the work of artists and develop their own ideas. The coursework consists of a portfolio of work

which includes at least one extended project. The exam is set in January of Year 11 where

students respond to a question, followed by a ten hour practical exam (across 2 full school days)

in April. Commitment to independent learning and a passion for art are essential.

Student comments:

“It is a lot of work, but the outcome is worth it.”

“I have learnt loads of new skills, for example, lino printing, inks and painting.”

“I always look forward to my art lesson. Although it is hard work, it brightens up my day”

Choose Art and Design if you enjoy developing ideas, experimenting with materials and taking

inspiration from artists. It is a practical and creative course that gives you the chance to develop

new skills within the subject. If you liked Key Stage 3, you will love Key Stage 4!

ASSESSMENT:

GCSE Art is 60% coursework and 40% exam.

STAFF CONTACT: Ms. L Kennett (Head of Creative and Expressive Arts and Design

Technology).


GCSE AQA 8202

ART AND DESIGN

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GCSE TRIPLE SCIENCE

Students in the top set will follow the Triple pathway and will have extra curriculum time to study

4 hours of Biology, 4 hours of Chemistry and 4 hours of Physics per fortnight to work towards

separate GCSE qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

COURSE CONTENT:

The individual science GCSEs cover all of the topics found in the combined science course in

greater detail and depth. It also covers some extra topics, such as astronomy, static electricity,

dynamic equilibria, nanoparticles, alcohols and the eye.

The triple science course provides a more detailed foundation for any students wanting to study

sciences at A level and smooths the transition into them.

ASSESSMENT:

The total triple science course will be assessed using six externally assessed papers (two for

each GCSE) which will all be completed at the end of Year 11. Each paper is 105 minutes and is

worth 100 marks.

SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Given the extra demands of the course, students should be consistently working at a flightpath 6

in order to take triple science.

STAFF CONTACT: Mr C. Curtis (Head of Department)

Level Exam Board Course Codes

GCSE EDEXCEL 1BI0, 1CH0, 1PH0

TRIPLE SCIENCE

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GEOGRAPHY

HISTORY

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Preselected for students following Pathway 1

SECTION 2

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In addition to our GCSE subjects we are also running BTECs in a number of subject areas.

BTECs all have full GCSE equivalency and are run by subject specialists in the same way as the

GCSE courses. The style of assessment is where the BTECs differ, each course involves an

examination but also covers a number of units of study which students complete throughout the

two years of Key Stage Four.

This means that they can be better suited to students who prefer to complete their assessed

work throughout the course rather than rely on success in the final examination series in Year 11.

These can be selected on the subject preference form in the same way as the GCSE subjects.

For more details about the BTEC courses please speak to Miss May who coordinates these

programmes of study.

STAFF CONTACT: Miss L. May (Head of Vocational Learning)

BTEC COURSES

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ART & DESIGN (GCSE)

DRAMA (GCSE)

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (GCSE)

MEDIA STUDIES (GCSE)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (GCSE)

BUSINESS AND ICT (BTEC)

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE (BTEC)

HOSPITALITY (BTEC)

MUSIC (BTEC)

SPORT (BTEC)

TRAVEL AND TOURISM (BTEC)

SECTION 3

15


GCSE AQA 8035

COURSE:

Choosing GCSE Geography will enable students to achieve Ebacc as part of their Key Stage 4 education. It is a solid academic subject and well respected by universities and employers alike. Geography helps students to make sense of the world around them. It is hands on, it is relevant and it is fun. Our GCSE course has a good mix of topics such as urban issues, world development, extreme environments, rivers and hazards to name but a few. The course will give students the chance to get to grips with some of the big questions which affect our world and understand the social, economic and physical forces and processes which shape and change our world. There are so many ways of learning in geography. It is very practical with opportunities to learn

new skills such as modern computer based mapping (called GIS), map skills, interpreting

photographs, fieldwork skills, presenting, role play and debating techniques.

The course follows the new AQA specification and consists of three components:

Living with the physical environment – 35%

Challenge of natural hazards – Tectonic hazards, weather and climate

Physical landscapes in the UK – Coasts and rivers.

The living world – Ecosystems and Tropical Rainforests, Hot deserts OR cold

environments

Challenges in the Human Environment – 35%

Urban issues and challenges

Changing economic world

Resource management

Geographical application – 30%

Issue evaluation

Fieldwork

Fieldwork:

There is a requirement that students attend two days of fieldwork in which a human environment

and physical environment will be studied. This will be assessed in an exam at the end of Year 11.

ASSESSMENT:

There will be three written exam papers at the end of Year 11 (split as above). Each paper is an

hour and a half long and will be a progressive paper consisting of multiple choice, short answer

and long answer questions.

GEOGRAPHY

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COURSE:

This course explores History through the ages with a particular focus on American History,

Elizabethan England 1568-1603, Conflict and Tension (the War in Asia 1950-75) plus a thematic

study of Britain: Health and the people c1000 to the present day.

Paper 1 will focus on understanding the Modern World with a particular focus on the War in

Asia, 1950-75. This will cover the Korean War of 1950-53 and the war in Vietnam. The section on

America 1920-1973 will focus on the opportunities and inequalities experienced by a range of

people who lived in America at the time. We will look at the campaign for civil rights for both

African—Americans and women as well as the Depression of the 1920s, the impact of World War

Two on America and life in the 1950s.

Paper 2: Section A includes a thematic study which covers British History, Health and the

People:1000-to the present day and will cover topics like surgery, the impact of war and religion

on medicine over time and the treatments people used.

Section B covers Elizabethan England and includes a study of an Elizabethan

building/ significant place.

ASSESSMENT:

The exam comprises of two papers, both worth 50% of the GCSE and each exam lasts 1 hour 45

minutes. Each exam is split into 2 sections, A and B. Paper 1 has 10 questions and Paper 2 has

8 questions.

Students with a Flightpath of 4+ would be most suited to this course.

STAFF CONTACT: Ms Riches (Head of Department), Mr Jardine, Mr Maddox,

Ms Waddams, and Miss Constantine

HISTORY


GCSE AQA 8145

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COURSE:

The GCSE courses in French and Spanish build on the vocabulary, phrases and grammar that

students have learned in Years 7, 8 and 9. At GCSE students study three key themes: Identity

and culture; Local, national, international and global areas of interest; Current and future study

and employment. Students then develop their opinions about these themes relating to their own

experiences and those of other people, including people in countries/communities where the

language students are studying is spoken. The aim is to expand cultural knowledge while

developing language skills.

The skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are all practised and developed. Students

build on their grammatical knowledge, moving into more complex areas, and also learn strategies

to help them understand and communicate more easily.

ASSESSMENT:

This is a linear qualification which means that students are assessed by examination at the end

of the course. Students may be entered for either Foundation Tier or Higher Tier but must

beentered at the same tier for all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing). Each language

skill is worth 25% of the marks. There are a number of different tasks in each paper, involving

short and long texts. Students’ individual speaking assessment is conducted by their language

teacher.

STAFF CONTACTS: Mr P. Marshall (Head of Department),

Mrs K. Gregory, Mrs N. Meneses Mrs C. Auger

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES Level Exam Board Course Code

GCSE Spanish/French AQA 8698/8658

Documents

OPTIONS BOOKLET 2018 2020 - The Bicester Schoolthebicesterschool.org.uk › wp-content › uploads › 2015 › 08 › 2018...Pearson BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Sport BTEC Travel &